Using a cleanse-tone-moisturize system is a must. And if you read our last blog post, you learned all about masks and why it’s important to add them to your routine. But when you start seeing discoloration, fine lines or uneven texture, it’s time to add some potent serum into the mix. They help target specific concerns and boost all the benefits of your current skin care. You can treat the appearance of past damage AND help prevent future visible damage by adding serums to your daily regimen. I admit, when I first started working at Merle Norman, I hadn’t even heard of serums. But when I learned about their benefits and saw how many ladies included them in their daily routines (and how great their skin looked), I added them to my daily skincare regimen. And I must say, I really do notice a difference!

Serums: 101

WHAT are serums? Serums are treatments that target specific concerns with concentrated key ingredients.

HOW do serums work? Lighter and faster are qualities we look for in a computer. They’re also the attributes that make serums effective. The molecules in serums are smaller than those in moisturizers so the skin absorbs them quicker and deeper.

WHY use serums? By using serums, you can intensify the strength of your skin care regimen and more effectively address your skin concerns. The difference can be quite remarkable, provided you use the serums correctly and consistently.

HOW to apply serums? Serums are applied after cleanser and toner, but before moisturizer. Since they’re super-concentrated, you only need a few drops to cover your entire face. Apply the serum with one or two fingers (to avoid wasting the serum on your hands) and massage thoroughly into the skin. Follow with a daytime moisturizer containing sunscreen in the morning; apply a richer night cream over the serum before bed.

*Pro Tip: Exfoliate first. Clearing away dead cells helps serums penetrate more effectively.

WHEN will you see results from serums? Depending on the serums, you may see or feel an immediate improvement. But like most skin care, they require about four weeks of consistent use for visible results. After that, you’ll find that serums are an indispensable part of your daily skin care regimen.

5 Smart Tips About Layering Serums

As women have become savvier about their skin care regimens, layering has become increasingly popular. Get the best results from your serums by applying products like the pros.

1. Begin thin. The thinner the serum consistency, the easier it is for the skin to absorb, and the easier it is to apply more than one. Layer serums in order of consistency, starting with the most liquid.
2. Take your vitamins. Think of vitamin-enriched serums as valuable daily supplements for your skin. Just a few drops of serum containing Vitamins A, C and E and other Antioxidants like Green Tea helps keep aging skin away!
3. Let it dry. Wait a minute or two between applying the layers of serums to allow them to absorb and to avoid pilling or balling of products.
4. Protect yourself. Prevent the potent ingredients in serums from disappearing into thin air by topping skin with a moisturizer. This keeps the ingredients from evaporating, thus increasing contact time with the skin while also locking in hydration to enhance penetration. Remember, no matter what amazing serums you apply to your skin, you’ll ruin the results if you don’t wear a moisturizer with sunscreen during the day.
5. Sleep on it. Include Retinol in your nighttime routine based on your skin’s tolerance. It’s the #1 wrinkle-fighting ingredient and it works its magic at night when your body is naturally resting and rejuvenating.

Merle Norman offers a number of serums designed to address your specific skin concerns. They include:

–For Dryness:

Energizing Concentrate provides daily hydration for dry, stressed skin. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate which helps boost the performance of your moisturizer.

Anti-Aging Complex Dry Oil Serum provides a more youthful appearance and protects against environmental damage. Complexion is smoother and more radiant.

-For Sagging & Deep Lines:

Wrinkle Smoother Lift & Firm Serum helps to lift, firm, and revitalize skin, making it look and feel more smooth and supple.

-For Uneven Texture:

Retinol Night Complex– A natural derivative of Vitamin A that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Reveals a smoother, more radiant and youthful complexion.

AHA Intensive Complex provides continuous exfoliation with a 10% concentration of Alpha Hydroxy Fruit Acids to help improve skin texture, tone and clarity.

Renew provides continuous exfoliation with non-acid ingredients to help improve skin texture, tone and clarity.

-For Discoloration:

Brilliant-C Brightening Serum helps promote a brighter complexion and helps diminish the appearance of spots with Bright+ Complex, an exclusive blend of Vitamin C and other brightening agents.

–For Fine Lines:

Fine Line Minimizer is an intensive Pro-Retinol serum that helps significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines, laugh lines and “crow’s feet.”

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Serums are the perfect way to super-charge your skincare routine. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to help protect skin from aging and to help improve problem areas.

*Serum information originally published in Merle Norman Beauty News Volume One 2015*